3-28-19

Page 1

The Pitt News

T h e i n d e p e n d e n t s t ude nt ne w spap e r of t he U niversity of Pittsburgh | PIttnews.com | march 28, 2019 ­| Volume 109 | Issue 130

UNIVERSITY SENATE DISCUSSES FREE SPEECH AT ANNUAL PLENARY

PROTESTING IN SILENCE

Maureen Hartwell Staff Writer

onstration. It included both BAS members and others, mostly students. Among the non-members were Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner, who was at the WPU for a University Senate plenary but stopped by the scene of the die-in several times, and Student Government Board President

In a week filled with protests and demonstrations in the wake of Michael Rosfeld’s acquittal, the University Senate convened to hold its annual plenary session focused on “Free Speech in the Modern University.” Chris Bonneau, the president of the University Senate, said the plenary session is an annual gathering of University faculty and staff to discuss a topic of mutual interest. Each year, the University Senate selects a new, pertinent issue on campus. This year’s plenary session, held from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, hosted Sigal Ben-Porath from the University of Pennsylvania as the keynote speaker. As a professor of education, political science and philosophy, Ben-Porath discussed the content of her book “Free Speech on Campus.” “Professor Ben-Porath and her keynote have given us some things to think about,” Bonneau said. “Are our policies effective? What can we do better to promote an atmosphere of free speech and inclusivity?” Ben-Porath said although universities globally have become increasingly diverse, a significant portion of students maintain stagnant political ideologies.

See Die-In on page 3

See Free Speech on page 2

Students gathered outside the William Pitt Union on Wednesday afternoon to hold a silent and peaceful die-in demonstration in support of Antwon Rose II’s family. The demonstration lasted 40 minutes and drew approximately 120 participants. Sarah Cutshall | visual editor

120 JOIN ‘JUSTICE FOR ANTWON’ DIE-IN ON WPU STEPS Emily Wolfe

carried the names of black police-shooting victims. Unlike other protests that have A crowd dressed overwhelmingly in taken place throughout the City over the black sat on the steps of the William Pitt past week, this one — a die-in in honor of Union shortly before 1 p.m. Wednes- Antwon Rose, organized by Pitt’s Black Acday. More stood nearby. Some signs read tion Society — was completely silent. The assembly grew as some students “Hands up, don’t shoot” or “Since when has blackness become a crime?” while others got out of class and joined in, numbering about 120 for most of the 40-minute demAssistant News Editor


News Free Speech, pg. 1

“Students are coming to campus very often ideologically homogeneous, having not encountered diversity,” Ben-Porath said. She went on to say that this is partially a result of public schools failing to integrate racially and ethnically diverse populations and ideals. And, referencing the “Bong hits 4 Jesus” court case in which a teenager was suspended from JuneauDouglas High School for allegedly promoting drug use on his high school’s campus, Ben-Porath said educators increasingly have the power to obstruct or censor students’ speech if they find it disruptive. She also described how by the time many of these students get to their first year of college, they lack the experience necessary to engage in free speech. She made a distinction between two types of risks that coincide with freedom of speech: intellectual risks and dignitary risks. Intellectual risks, Ben-Porath said, challenge preconceived notions but do not encourage hate-

pittnews.com

ful or unproductive speech. “Intellectual risk-taking is and should be welcome on college campuses,” Ben-Porath said. “We should push for more of that, because intellectual safety undermines the mission of a lot of universities.” On the other hand, dignitary risks, which Ben-Porath cautioned against, create concern or elicit a strong, negative response campuswide — something that does not advance any conversation. “Dignitary safety is an essential feature of an open and inclusive campus,” Ben-Porath said. As her keynote wrapped up, Ben-Porath noted some specific ways faculty and administration members can facilitate productive free speech on campus, such as acknowledging bigoted and biased statements and making the discussion of such statements public. She said instructors who do not address such comments effectively endorse the statement made by the student. She also said that civility, despite popular opinion, does not create an inclusive context,

because it requires us to ignore differences in power. “Civility calls on me to wear a suit and stand here in a pleasant way and I can say terrible things,” Ben-Porath said. “It allows me to do more than an inclusive climate should permit.” When Ben-Porath finished her keynote, the program transitioned to a panel of three Pitt faculty and administrative members to respond. Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner spoke first, noting that it’s not enough for students to base freedom of speech on the First Amendment. “We don’t want to create a system in which people operate under some decorum,” Bonner said. Next, professor Kristin Kanthak from the political science department spoke in response to the keynote, highlighting the power dynamics on a college campus. Kanthak agreed with BenPorath’s comment on civility, noting that those in power determine what is and is not civil.

March 28, 2019

“Each of us in this room can use our power not to stifle free speech, but to create an environment where those who are paying the highest price for free speech also feel included,” Kanthak said. “Those of us who are in positions of power need to mitigate the costs they are paying.” Kanthak extended the conversation into a discussion of race, noting that white people are more uncomfortable talking about race, compared to people of color. As such, she said race doesn’t get discussed as frequently as it should because white people get to decide when we discuss race. “Some of us are sitting here in our ivory tower and when we hear offensive things, it doesn’t bother us,” Kanthak said. Jules Lobel from the School of Law continued the discussion of civility’s shortcomings in facilitating free speech. Using anti-war movements of the 1970s as an example, Lobel said rights such as free speech can’t always be protected in a civil manner.

Read the rest online at Pittnews.com.

2


Die-In, pg. 1 Maggie Kennedy, who sat in silence with other demonstrators. BAS president Edenis Augustin said he was glad to see people stop and join as they learned what was going on. “Incidents like this are not isolated,” Augustin said. “They could happen at any place at any time. It may have happened to Antwon, but it could have happened to one of us that attend this school at some point in our lives.” Augustin said he wanted to see a campus-wide show of support similar to the one that followed the Tree of Life shooting in October. He called that show of support “great and honorable,” but said he found Pitt’s response to the fatal shooting of Rose in June 2018 by former East Pittsburgh officer Michael Rosfeld, who was acquitted last Friday, lacking in comparison. “We decided to take matters into our own hands and have our own demonstration,” Augustin said. “I hope the impact of this is that Pitt gets more in touch with the Pittsburgh community.” Demonstrators left a clear path for nonparticipants to enter and exit the

pittnews.com

Union, though some students leaving by the front door turned around and went back inside when they saw what was happening. But most people who passed the scene at least turned to look. Some took a printed list of demands from a BAS organizer, while others stopped to take a few seconds of video. “I’ve never been videotaped so much in my life,” Jolia Ellis, a first-year communication major, said. “And I feel like they’re just going to post it on Snapchat and be like ‘Justice for Antwon’ just to feel like they’re woke.” Andrew Francis, a first-year global studies major, picked up a sheet as he passed by. The first item on the list of demands, “Justice for Antwon Rose II,” was followed by the three demands common to many of the week’s protests and larger goals, including affordable housing and better public schools. “I just got out of class,” Francis said. “I saw the protests that were happening the other day and I just think it’s great how everyone came together, especially since it happened so close to home.” “I’m black,” Hailey Baxter, a first-

year pharmacy major, said. “This is my future. You’ve got to think about the fact that at some point, I could have kids.” “For me, it’s not even that I’ll have kids,” Baxter’s friend Tierney Washington, a first-year film major, added. “It’s that it could just be me, like really the same thing could happen and I would go unremembered. Nobody’s going to care, nobody’s going to think too hard about it until you do things like this … I’m talking to other black kids like, ‘Oh, I’m going to this protest for Antwon Rose,’ and they’re like ‘Who is Antwon Rose?’ And it’s like, ‘Oh, it’s that black kid who got killed.’ They’re like, ‘Which one?’ ‘The one who was running.’ ‘Which one?’” “‘The one who was running away from that cop,’” Baxter added. “‘Oh, what cop? You mean a white cop?’” Washington laughed a little. “Which city?” In a statement released hours after a jury acquitted Rosfeld Friday, BAS called Rose’s death “senseless brutality.” “To Antwon, we are sorry that in one swift motion you are no longer with us and that in a trial that only lasted four days, the justice system sided with the

March 28, 2019

man behind your death,” the statement read. “Your name will forever be remembered.” Dahlia Remy, a BAS member, said she was glad so many people showed up to the die-in — and that the group included nonblack allies. “It seems like when black people say anything, it seems like we’re just being angry and hostile or complaining,” Remy, a first-year psychology major, said. “I feel like having nonblack allies makes people more comfortable or makes people want to listen more. It’s not like we need nonblack approval, but we do need their support. It is very important that we have other voices with us.” Remy and a friend, Marilyn Dongmo-Zebaze, both first-years who aren’t from Pittsburgh, said learning about the Rose shooting changed the way they viewed the City. “Coming to school here, this was supposed to be our home away from home,” Dongmo-Zebaze, a nursing major, said. “The fact that this happened so close to our campus, to someone that looks just like us, means that it could be any of us.”

3


Opinions from the editorial board

Allies: Know our place More than 100 students attended a diein organized by the Black Action Society on the steps of the William Pitt Union yesterday in remembrance of 17-year-old Antwon Rose, who was fatally shot by former police officer Michael Rosfeld in June 2018. The demonstration lasted 40 minutes — 10 minutes for each day of Rosfeld’s trial last week — while demonstrators sat in silence. Though the die-in was silent and demonstrators left a path for nonparticipating students to freely leave and enter the Union, demonstrations like these are just as valid as louder and more disruptive protests. These include the one held on Saturday, when participants marched through downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland, stopping at intersections, blocking traffic and chanting in businesses. As members of marginalized communities organize against injustice and express their grievances, it’s critical for allies to remember our place while using that to inform our actions at these demonstrations. These demonstrations are a space where allies should be listening and supporting, not leading and taking from the space. The legitimacy and validity of a demonstration should not hinge on the visibility of white allies and these demonstrations are not a venue for allies to take up space. Knowing our impact on these demonstrations is a crucial part of understanding beneficial roles we can play in elevating and amplifying marginalized voices — not taking away from them. “It seems like when black people say anything, it seems like we’re just being angry and hostile or complaining,” Dahlia Remy, a first-year psychology major and BAS member at the die-in, said. “I feel like having nonblack allies makes

pittnews.com

people more comfortable or makes people want to listen more. It’s not like we need nonblack approval, but we do need their support. It is very important that we have other voices with us.” Supporting marginalized people also needs to go beyond merely posting slogans and hashtags on social media from the comfort of our own homes. Simply posting about our opinions on social media without taking direct action to listen and support is not enough. “I’ve never been videotaped so much in my life,” Jolia Ellis, a first-year communication major, said at the die-in. “And I feel like they’re just going to post it on Snapchat and be like ‘Justice for Antwon’ just to feel like they’re woke.” Doing our part doesn’t end with just showing up at these demonstrations. We must also look inward at our own biases and assumptions and how we view these demonstrations. Loud and disruptive protests are often derided as irrational and inconsiderate, but it’s easy for us to view inconveniences in our day-to-day lives as inconsiderate when we’re not the ones directly facing injustice. Rational arguments aren’t just limited to calm, quiet and unobtrusive messages, and we must recognize that to avoid dismissing legitimate grievances. It is our place to listen and support so allies do not rob marginalized people of the space and attention they deserve to express their demands and grievances. When demonstrations are organized by marginalized communities, we have to understand that it’s not about us. It’s not about what makes us comfortable. It’s not about what we want to do and it’s not about our opinions. It’s about their justified anger.

OP-ED: MEMORY OF ANTWON ROSE DENIED JUSTICE

A demonstrator holds a sign reading “enough is enough” at the die-in demonstration organized by Black Action Society on Wednesday. Sarah Cutshall | visual editor There are no words known to man to accurately describe how we are feeling at the moment. Yet again, the murderer of another unarmed Black man has been set free. It has become increasingly frustrating that the idea of justice seems to be a mere fantasy for the Black community. To the mother and family of Antwon Rose Jr.: we are deeply sorry that the justice system felt that the death of Antwon was justifiable and warranted. We pray that you one day find a sense of peace in midst of all the hurt. To the City of Pittsburgh: our hearts hurt that members of the City are now seen as target practice for police and that laws are bent to protect the authorities. To Antwon: we are sorry that following one swift motion, you are no longer with us and that it took the justice system only four days to side with the man behind your death. Your name will forever be remembered. We pray that you find peace with your Maker. Again, we are shown that invincibility

March 28, 2019

lies with he who wears the badge. Again, we are left searching for answers. Again, we are left feeling that we are warranted targets nationwide. When the ones who are put in charge to defend the law end up breaking it, who are we to turn to? What will it take for the death of an unarmed Black boy or girl to be seen as caused by senseless brutality and not because “they did not comply,” or that it could have been prevented “maybe if they didn’t run?” To the Black community of Pittsburgh: with each passing acquittal, we are blatantly shown our value in the eyes of those designated to “protect us.” We need to come together now more than ever to stand up for our fellow brothers and sisters and to lean on each other when we are weak. This week, it was Antwon. If history tells us anything, one of these days, it may be one of us. Our hearts are heavy. May you rest in peace, Antwon Rose Jr. - Black Action Society of the University of Pittsburgh

4


The Pitt News

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor

CHRISTIAN SNYDER

JANINE FAUST

editor@pittnews.com

manager@pittnews.com

News Editor JOANNA LI

Opinions Editor MAGGIE DURWALD

news@pittnews.com

opinions@pittnews.com

Sports Editor TRENT LEONARD

Culture Editor SARAH CONNOR

sports@pittnews.com

culture@pittnews.com

Visual Editor SARAH CUTSHALL

Layout Editor SHAHUM AJMAL

visuals@pittnews.com

layout@pittnews.com

Online Editor MATT CHOI

Copy Chief KIM ROONEY copy@pittnews.com

Sales Manager MATTHEW HOUCK

Emily Wolfe | Assistant News Editor Jeremy Wang | Assistant Opinions Editor Tessa Sayers | Assistant Sports Editor Thomas Yang | Assistant Visual Editor Eli Savage | Assistant Layout Editor

pittnews.com

Single copies of The Pitt News are free and available at newsstands around campus. Additional copies can be purchased with permission of the editor-in-chief for $.50 each. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the students, faculty or University administration. Opinions expressed in columns, cartoons and letters are not necessarily those of The Pitt News. Any letter intended for publication must be addressed to the editor, be no more than 250 words and include the writer’s name, phone number and University affiliation, if any. Letters may be sent via e-mail to editor@

Andrea Michael | Assistant Copy Chief

tpnonline@gmail.com Brian Gentry | Assistant News Editor

Editorial Policies

Copy Staff Alexa Marzina Bailey Sasseville Ben King Sarah Stager Nicholas Rivera

Maggie Koontz Elizabeth Martinson Lia Herman Fay Cairns Maggie Young Peri Walker

pittnews.com. The Pitt News reserves the right to edit any and all letters. In the event of multiple replies to an issue, The Pitt News may print one letter that represents the majority of responses. Unsigned editorials are a majority opinion of the Editorial Board, listed to the left. The Pitt News is an independent, studentwritten and student-managed newspaper for the Oakland campus of the University of Pittsburgh. It is published Monday through Friday during the regular school year and Wednesdays during the summer. Complaints concerning coverage by The Pitt News, after first being brought to the

Business Manager RACHEL BUCK

advertising@pittnews.com

editors, may be referred to the Community Relations Committee, Pitt News Advisory Board, c/o student media adviser, 435 William Pitt Union, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15260. The editor-in-chief has the final authority on editorial matters and cannot be censored, according to state and federal law. The editor-in-chief is selected by the Pitt News Advisory Board, which includes University staff, faculty and students, as well as journalism professionals. The business and editorial offices of The Pitt News are located at 434 William Pitt Union, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15260.

Inside Sales Manager FORREST BLONDELL

Marketing Manager

Production Manager

Digital Manager

KATIE BOZZO

JORDAN FALK

DEVON WOOD

Graphic Designers Madison McClure Aditya Peri

Digital Staff

Marketing Assistant

Anna Bongardino | Digital Manager Jane Millard | Audience Developer Jon Moss | Online Visual Editor

Victoria Kline

March 28, 2019

Account Executives Forrest Blondell Sarah Braza Kyle Guinness Mark Machado Rashel Bajaj

Inside Sales Executive Alex Rea

Emily Arthur Abdel Begic

University Account Executive Isabel Scrabis

5


Culture

WELLNESS CENTER DISPLAYS ‘THE ART OF RECOVERY’ GALLERY

Tamara Alchoufete Staff Writer

A trip to the lobby of the Wellness Center at Nordenberg Hall will most often warrant the sight of sneezing, bruised or sweating students, slouching in the waiting room chairs, hoping to see a doctor during walk-in hours. But on Tuesday, the Wellness Center had a little more to offer — art celebrating the beauty of eating disorder recovery. This gallery was presented by The Renfrew Center Foundation, a national eating disorder treatment organization with centers open to women of all ages throughout the country since its founding in 1985. Today, there are more than 20 locations ranging from Los Angeles to right here in Pittsburgh, with one office in North Oakland. It was actually the Philadelphia branch of The Renfrew Center that held this pop-up gallery as part of its “The Art of Recovery” traveling exhibit. “The Art of Recovery” is a continuous art project maintained by The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia that showcases the experiences of women with eating disorders through their artwork. The gallery itself was located in an intimate space that pushed people into a conversation. Fifteen canvases were propped up on tall wire easels spanning the balcony area of the Wellness Center lobby. The ages of the artists ranged between 17 and 50. All pieces had little cards in the corners of them stating the name and age of the woman who created it. Some had titles and descriptions, while others did not. There was one piece called “The Table” that various attendees were observing closely throughout the event. The artist represented themselves at the din-

pittnews.com

The Renfrew Center had a pop-up gallery in the Wellness Center in Nordenberg Hall, showcasing artwork by women battling eating disorders. Tamara Alchoufete | contributing writer ing room table during a meal with their sists of more than 150. family. The description explained that “The goal is to highlight pieces that this piece was the answer to the question, speak to different aspects [of recovery] “When you found yourself in a dark place, and give all those women a voice,” Rosenwhat did you need?” The artist had drawn berg said, “to create a different represena blow horn and written, “I think I would tation of eating disorders by making a vihave been heard if I had that then.” sual entryway.” The project originated from the mind The two-hour event consisted of artof Sondra Rosenberg, a board-certified viewing, interpretations of the artwork registered art therapist and the center’s and presentations by two Renfrew Center creative arts therapy supervisor. She be- alumni from the Philadelphia branch, Jesgan collecting the artwork of women she sica McCroy and Erin Fuller, who was the worked with in 2007 whom she had seen first-ever person admitted to the center. express their emotions through creative They spoke about their experiences at processes. The collection started out fair- The Renfrew Center and what impact art ly small at a dozen pieces and now con- therapy had on their journey.

March 28, 2019

McCroy had travel journals on display for exhibit-goers to look through and talk to her about. They were created with many different materials such as envelopes and fabrics. Examining the journals shows that no single page is identical to another. One provided pockets to hold in little objects while another was a page containing nothing but a single word like “today.” When discussing how daily art therapy impacted her experience at The Renfrew Center, McCroy remembered her experience with only positive thoughts. “The art room was a treat and a way to escape from the everyday treatment,” she said. She expressed how her love for art has continued, and that she still maintains a running collection of countless supplies. After Fuller presented her own piece of artwork, which depicted a stained glass silhouette symbolizing her recovery as she pieced herself back together, she shared her love and gratitude for the artwork and the experience of art therapy. “Artwork is very personal and every person’s experience is different. You can’t look at someone and guess [what they’re going through],” she said. She was the first person to be admitted to the Philadelphia branch of The Renfrew Center and is always eager to travel the country and speak about her experiences there. The Renfrew Center exists to help patients make it through one of the toughest mental and physical disorders anyone can go through. However, therapists like Rosenberg believe true recovery goes beyond just physically feeling better. “It’s not about getting better, but getting better at feeling,” Rosenberg said, repeating the mantra of Renfrew.

6


review

‘US’ SERVES SCARES, BUT STILL FALLS BEHIND ‘GET OUT’ Vikram Sundar Staff Writer

Jordan Peele surprised and profoundly disturbed both casual moviegoers and die-hard cinephiles alike with his 2017 directorial debut “Get Out,” a commentary on the dimensions of racism masked within many white, liberalist subcultures in America. With his second film “Us,” Peele has taken a far more ambitious step to tackle a problem rooted in America’s historical identity as an oppressor — perhaps too ambitious. “Us” tells the story of Adelaide Wilson (Lupita Nyong’o) and a traumatic event from her childhood that comes back to haunt her. Adelaide and her parents spent a night in 1986 walking down the Santa Cruz boardwalk, but unbeknownst to her parents, she wanders off onto the beach where she found an eerie hall of mirrors attraction. What she found in the hall of mirrors is something inconceivable: a little girl, identical to her in appearance, staring right back at her with an ominous grin. Skip to present day — Adelaide and her family, including her husband Gabe (Winston Duke), her daughter Zora (Sha-

pittnews.com

Adelaide (Lupita Nyong’o) fights to keep Jason (Evan Alex) and Zora (Shahadi Wright Joseph) safe in Jordan Peele’s second film, “Us.” star tribune | tns

March 28, 2019

hadi Wright Joseph) and her son Jason (Evan Alex), decide to vacation in Santa Cruz and stay at Adelaide’s old home. As they settle in, weird coincidences start occurring related to Adelaide’s repressed memory of the boardwalk incident. After an uneasy day at the beach, Adelaide spots a sinister family of four, clad in crimson red garments, wielding razorsharp gold shears, standing together in her driveway in the dead of night. But this is no ordinary family. As they step into the light, we see that they are uncannily identical to the Wilson family. These doppelgangers hold the family hostage in their home, revealing to them that an invasion is coming. This moment is one of the most chilling in the film. Despite the bizarreness of the situation, there seems to be a different, mysterious tension permeating between Adelaide and her ragged-looking doppelganger, Red. Unlike the other doppelgangers, Red is more emotive and can speak, but she also has a secret grudge against Adelaide that isn’t fully clear, until the ending reveals the true nature of the situation and the condition of the doppelgangers, who identify as “the tethered.” See “US” on page 8

7


“Us”, pg. 7 “Us” is a film that is ripe with allegorical references and metaphors. However, at its core, the story aims to characterize the subservient, discarded population of “the tethered,” forced to feed on raw rabbit meat and live in confinement. Oppression has persisted throughout the history of American society, whether it be for one’s race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality or economic status. With this film, Peele goes beyond the scope of race-related commentary in “Get Out” to make a state-

pittnews.com

ment about large-scale, systematic oppression and the neglect of the underprivileged masses, who gain a sort of second-class citizenship. Peele is very on-the-nose with this message, even including a scene where Adelaide asks the doppelgangers who they are, to which Red plainly responds, “We are Americans.” This message becomes even more apparent when we learn of the true nature of Adelaide and Red’s relationship. While watching “the tethered” slowly usurp their privileged surface-dwellers, viewers will be reminded of the 1956 clas-

sic, “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” In many ways, “Us” feels like a renovated adaptation of it. Both, of course, involve the invasion of clones who attempt to take over their real-life counterparts, but there is also an underlying point to be made about the internal condition of American society. But the narrative of “Us” is riddled with too many plot holes and complexities that leave far too much open for creative interpretation. By the end of the film, Peele leaves us with more questions than we began with, and it’s a bit overwhelming to try to make sense of the story for what it is. It’s

March 28, 2019

obvious that Peele wants the audience to focus on the implicit message rather than the canon of the story, but if you do start to think more deeply about the plot, the commentary seems to make less sense. One of the best aspects of “Us” is the visually stunning cinematography and shot composition. Some of the stills in this film gave me goosebumps, simply from from the manipulation of lights and shadows that seem to accentuate the eyes and cheekbones of shadowy figures. Peele even borrows Kubrick’s style of symmetry from “The Shining” in his hallway longshots, which work very well in emphasizing the mania-inducing environment that “the tethered” inhabit. These shots have an unnerving characteristic, not just from the unnaturally pristine condition of the shot, but also from the lost sense of time and distance we feel. Considering the absurdly high precedent Jordan Peele set with “Get Out,” which propelled him to the status of visionary auteur, there was bound be high expectations for his second film. “Us” is a good film, but it seems to be caught in the shadow of its more masterfully crafted predecessor.

8


Sports

PENN STATE TOPS PITT SOFTBALL 8-3

Senior infielder Alexis Solak scored Pitt’s first run against Penn State on Wednesday, which Pitt lost 8-3. Yesterday’s loss marks five straight for Pitt. Kaycee Orwig | staff photographer

Tessa Sayers

Assistant Sports Editor Pitt softball will have to wait another day to try and earn its first home win. The Panthers (4-26, 1-8 ACC) lost 8-3 to in-state rival Penn State (17-14) on Wednesday at Vartabedian Field. The loss marks five straight for Pitt. The Nittany Lions were led by first-year pitcher Bailey Parshall. Parshall threw 108 pitches, notched eight strikeouts with no walks and gave up seven hits in the win. “The pitcher for Penn State threw a crafty game against us and hit the zone well,” head coach Jodi Hermanek said. “I thought Brittany Knight did a great job today, that fourrun inning was just a little bit of the tailspin of the ball going their way a little bit more … But I still thought she threw a great game and coming back after that first inning and really getting settled.” Knight, a redshirt sophomore who threw a complete game shutout when Pitt beat Penn State 2-0 earlier the season, was once again on the mound for the Panthers. Knight

pittnews.com

finished the day with 101 pitches, eight hits, four walks and three strikeouts before being replaced in the sixth inning. She fell to 2-13 on the season with the loss. Penn State took an early lead in the first inning when first-year infielder Chelsea Bisi launched a two-run home run to center field. But through the next three innings, both teams were held scoreless. It was Pitt who finally ended the scoreless drought. With one out in the bottom of the fourth, sophomore utility player Hunter Levesque ripped a line drive down the left-field line for a stand-up double. It was Levesque’s second time reaching base after making it to first on a bunt in the first inning. Levesque advanced to third when senior infielder Alexis Solak struck out swinging and then scored Pitt’s first run of the game when senior infielder Gabrielle Fredericks singled to center field. Parshall got the next batter to pop out to first base to end Pitt’s comeback. “I think Parshall is a fantastic pitcher,” See Softball on page 10

TAKE 5:

MARCH IS LACKING MADNESS The Pitt News Staff With March comes madness, and this year is no exception. The only difference is the madness that is happening in the sports world is coming less from NCAA basketball and more from other major sports. When it comes to the tournament, it has been exceptionally ordinary so far. There haven’t been any major upsets, but that could all change this weekend. Making up for basketball in the NFL, Antonio Brown keeps drawing attention to himself, and Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement after just eight seasons in the league. Oh yeah, and baseball is officially back. Where’s the madness? The first weekend of games in the 2019 March Madness tournament are in the books and fans are now left with 16 teams. That number will be brought down to the Final Four after this weekend. There have been a few upsets and exciting finishes, but it has been nothing compared to years past. The most exciting part about the tournament so far was when three No. 12 seeds defeated No. 5 seeds in the round of 64. No. 11 seed Ohio State and No. 13 seed UC Irvine beat No. 6 Iowa State and No. 4 Kansas State, respectively, to add to the growing list of upsets. Only one No. 12 seed, Oregon, advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, and that was because it was fortunate enough to match up with No. 13 seed UC Irvine. The Sweet Sixteen is comprised of all the favored teams, except for No. 5 seed Auburn and No. 12 seed Oregon. Every single No. 1, 2 and 3 seed advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. No. 1 seed Duke defeated No. 9 seed UCF because of missed tip-in at the buzzer by UCF. That would have been the upset of the tournament, considering Duke is the overall favorite to win the dance.

March 28, 2019

It’s not fun to see all the favored teams win. Sure, fans are technically getting the best possible matchups and that, in turn, will lead to the best possible basketball. But when fans watch March Madness every year, most want just as the name implies — madness. Last year was arguably one of the greatest March Madnesses of all time. No. 11 seed Loyola-Chicago advanced to the Final Four after it beat No. 9 seed Kansas State in the Elite Eight. Two No. 1 seeds, Xavier and Virginia, were eliminated in the first two rounds. No. 16 seed UMBC beat Virginia, becoming the first No. 16 seed to ever beat a No. 1 seed in tournament history. That is what March Madness is about. This year just feels normal. -Tyler Moran, staff writer Oregon looks to quack the brackets A typical March Madness tournament entails a plethora of upsets from underestimated teams. But the departures of Murray State and Wofford following the second round led to the realization of an undeclared Cinderella team. Now, Oregon remains as the only double-digit seeded team left, but some people think Cinderella’s shoe does not fit the Pac-12 program. No. 12 seed Oregon toppled No. 5 seed Wisconsin 72-54 in the first round. The 18-point win made the mark for the thirdlargest margin of victory ever by a No. 12 seed in the opening round. The Ducks then outlasted No. 13 UC Irvine 73-54 in the second round for Oregon’s seventh Sweet Sixteen debut. Experts believe none of the No. 1 seeds will make it to Minneapolis for the Final Four, something that has only happened three times since the creation of seeds in 1979. Overlooking Oregon when it faces No. 1 seed Virginia on Thursday is a rookie mistake.

Find the full story online at

pittnews.com

9


Softball, pg. 9 Pitt senior infielder Olivia Gray said. “As a freshman, she throws a pretty good riseball, so in-game adjustments would pretty much be just moving up in the box and trying to stay on top of the ball and just talking to each other, just making sure we are all on the same page with our game plan.” Penn State went into the top of the fifth inning with an answer. First-year outfielder Melina Livingston started the inning with a left-field single and reached home on a senior outfielder Toni Polk blast to right field

pittnews.com

to put the Nittany Lions up three and make the score 4-1. First-year infielder Claire Swedberg kept things going for the Nittany Lions with a double to right center. Knight forced the next three batters to groundout, fly out and strikeout, respectively, getting out of the inning without any more damage. “I think we’ve been trying to figure out and make adjustments per game,” Levesque said. “Mentally, physically, communication, everything … I think we’ve just been working together as a team and a unit.” Pitt’s biggest chance to tie the game

came in the fifth inning. Junior catcher Walker Barbee started the inning at first after Penn State’s shortstop bobbled a ground ball. Senior outfielder Taylor Myers then singled to right to put runners on first and second for Gray. Gray loaded the bases when a miscommunication from Penn State allowed a pop-up to right field to drop. Two runners scored and Pitt got within one run when Levesque singled to center. Levesque was 3-3 in the game. Penn State ended the inning with the next batter, going into the sixth with a 4-3 lead.

March 28, 2019

“I think I was just seeing the ball pretty well today,” Levesque said. “Having runners on and my team having opportunity to score, I think I just tried to take advantage of every opportunity I got.” The Nittany Lions added some cushion to their lead in the sixth when junior outfielder Christa Wagner scored on a throwing error by Gray. Penn State scored two more runs to make the score 7-3, prompting Pitt to remove its starting pitcher. Knight was replaced with senior Taylor Rahach. Rahach was three pitches into her relief when she gave up a fly ball to center, allowing another run to score, making the score 8-3. Pitt wasn’t able to get back any runs on offense in the sixth. Despite a threeup, three-down top of the seventh and getting runners in scoring position, the Panthers were once again unable to plate any runs in the final inning. “I would say I thought we had a good showing out there today,” Gray said. “Some things just didn’t fall our way, we just didn’t get key hits when we needed to. But I think just keep persevering, just leaning on each other and keep swinging the bats and things will fall into place.” Both teams finished with one error, but Penn State took the edge offensively, outhitting Pitt 9-7. The Panthers will be back in action this weekend looking to get their first home win and end their five-game losing streak in a weekend series against UNC at Vartabedian Field. “We’ve just got to keep grinding and we have to keep our mind right,” Hermanek said. “The biggest thing right now is just being self-believers that we’re going to turn the page and we’re gonna answer a new call and it’s going to happen.”

10


I N D E X

Rentals & Sublet • NORTH OAKLAND • SOUTH OAKLAND • SHADYSIDE • SQUIRREL HILL • SOUTHSIDE • NORTHSIDE • BLOOMFIELD • ROOMMATES • OTHER

For Rent North Oakland 3 BR Apartment on 732 S. Millvale Ave. Available August 1, 2019. $1320‑$1630 +gas & electric. 412‑441‑1211. info@­ forbesmanagement.­ net. www.forbesman­ agement.net

South Oakland ****************** Large 6 bedroom

pittnews.com

Employment • CHILDCARE • FOOD SERVICES • UNIVERSITY • INTERNSHIPS • RESEARCH • VOLUNTEERING • OTHER

house for rent. Fall occupancy. Atwood Street. Close to campus. Please call Gary at 412‑807‑8058 1‑2‑3‑4‑5 Bedroom apartments/houses. Rents starting at $650 for 1BR. May or Au­gust availability. 412‑999‑2124 1,2,3,4,5,6 bedroom houses in South Oak­land. Available Au­gust 1st or May 1st. Newly remodeled. Bouquet, Meyran, At­wood, Semple St.

Classifieds

For sale

• AUTO • BIKES • BOOKS • MERCHANDISE • FURNITURE • REAL ESTATE • PETS

services

• EDUCATIONAL • TRAVEL • HEALTH • PARKING • INSURANCE

notices

• ADOPTION • EVENTS • LOST AND FOUND • STUDENT GROUPS • WANTED • OTHER

Call 412‑287‑5712 for more information.

net. www.forbesman­ agement.net.

2 and 3 bedroom lo­cated on Meyran. Newly renovated, air‑conditioning, dish­washer, and wash­er/dryer. Avail‑ able Summer 2019. 412‑915‑0856 or email klucca@veri‑ zon.net.

2 BR house and 3 BR house, South Oak­land, very nice, good rent, close to Pitt. Avail‑ able Aug. 1, 2019. Call 412‑881‑0550 or email apetro­v@ pitt.edu

2 Bedroom Apart­ ment. Rent: $1690 + electric. Avail‑ able August 1, 2019 on Louisa St. 412‑441‑1211. info@­ forbesmanagement.­

2BR houses and apart­ ments available in August. Unfur­nished, no pets. At­wood/S. Bouquet. Call 412‑492‑8173 3326 Juliet St. Big 3 bedroom, 2‑story house 1.5 bath, fully equipped eat‑in

R A T E S

Insertions

1-15 Words

16-30 Words

1X

2X

3X

4X

$6.30

$11.90

$17.30

$22.00

$7.50

$14.20

$20.00

$25.00

5X $27.00 $29.10

6X $30.20 $32.30

Add. + $5.00 + $5.40

(Each Additional Word: $0.10)

Deadline:

Two business days prior by 3pm | Email: advertising@pittnews.com | Phone: 412.648.7978

kitchen/appli­ances/ new refrigera­tor, living, dining room, 2 porches, full base‑ ment, laundry/ storage, park‑ ing on premises, super clean ‑move‑in con­dition. Near univer­sities/hospi‑ tals/bus. $1800+. 412‑337‑3151 3408 Parkview Ave. Studios, 1‑2‑3 BRS Available June &Aug. Pet Friendly & Park­ ing. CALL NOW! 412‑455‑5600 3436 Ward. Spacious 2‑Bedroom, 1 bath, equipped kitchen,

March 28, 2019

$1,195 + electric, Heat included. 412‑271‑5550 3444 Ward St. ‑ Stu­ dio and 1bedroom apartments. Free heating, free park­ing. Available May & August 2019 move‑in. Call 412‑361‑2695

available on Dawson Street, At­wood Street, and Mc­kee Place. Newly re­modeled. Some have laundry on site. Min­utes from the Univer­sity. For more info please call Mike at 412‑849‑8694

3BR apartment, cen­ tral air, washer/dryer, water included in rent, available 8/1/19. $1,350/mo. Call 412‑398‑6119.

Before signing a lease, be aware that no more than 3 unre­lated people can share a single unit. Check property’s compliance with codes. Call City’s Per­mits, Licensing & In­spections. 412‑255‑2175.

Apartments for rent. 2 and 3 bedroom apart‑ ments available. Some

Brand new remod‑ eled spacious duplex. 5BR, 2BA, second

and third floors with wooden floors. Laun­dry room in apart­ment. $3000 +utili­ties. Call 412‑871‑5657 Dawson Village Apts. near CMU and Pitt. One bedroom apt. available for immedi­ate move in. On bus line, close to restau­rants and shops. *CALL IN FOR SPE­CIALS!* Contact Jerry at 412‑722‑8546 Furnished apartment for rent. 1 bedroom available immedi­ately. $700/mo in­cludes all utilities (for 1 occu‑ pant) ex­cept electric.

11


Conve­nient to schools and hospitals. Call Nancy for appoint‑ ment 412‑681‑7201.

/ $950.00 ‑ Util­ities Inc. 412‑462‑1296 madroneproperty.com

House for rent, 6 BD 3 bath with kitchen and living room. Fur­nished. $650 each bedroom per mont plus utilities. On At­ wood. Contact Helen at 412‑461‑5709.

Oakland ‑ 335 N. Craig ‑ 2 & 3 bed­rooms, 1 bath, equipped kitchen, car­ pet, coin op laundry in basement of build­ing, close to Universi­ties and Hospitals, on buslne. Can be rented furnished or unfur­ nished. Rent ‑ $1,050.00 ‑ $1,725.00 + G/E 412‑462‑1296 madroneproperty.com

M.J. Kelly Realty. Studio, 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedroom Apart­ments, Duplexes and Houses. N. & S. Oakland from $750‑$2500. mjkellyrealty@gmail.­ com. 412‑271‑5550. www.mjkellyrealty.­ com North/South Oakland Houses and Apart­ ments with Laundry and Central Air. Call or text 412‑38‑Lease Now Renting Fall 2019! Various Two BR units in South Oakland, Bates, Coltart, Edith, Halket Place, Ward Street; rent starting from $975‑$1410 Contact: John C.R. Kelly 412‑683‑7300 www.jcrkelly.com info@kellyrealtyinc.­ com Now Renting for Fall 2019 One Bedrooms located conveniently throughout South Oakland Rents Starting at: $740‑$825 Contact: John C.R. Kelly Office: 412‑683‑7300 Email: info@kellyre­ altyinc.com Website: www.­ jcrkelly.com Oakland ‑ 294 Craft ‑ 1 bedroom, equipped ktichen, coin op laudry in basement of building, close to uni­ versities and hospi­tals, on busline. Rent ‑ $800.00 + Elec.

pittnews.com

Oakland‑264 Mel­ wood ‑ 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, equipped ktichen, carpet, C/A, coin op laundry in basement of building, Close to Univeristies and Hospitals and on busline., Can be rented furnished or unfurnished Rent ‑ $1,600.00 + G/E 412‑462‑1296 madroneproperty.com Oakland‑264 Mel­ wood ‑ 4 bedrooms, 2 bath, equipped kitchen, carpet, C/A, coin op laundry in basement of building, Close to Universities and Hospitals and on busline. Rent ‑ $1,850.00 + G/E 412‑462‑1296 madroneproperty.com Recently reno’ed S Oakland 3BR house, $1800/mo + utilities. Spacious, beautiful, well‑maintained. Dishwasher, wash­er/ dryer, central AC. Close to Pitt campus & shuttle. Off‑street parking available. Panther Properties, 412‑328‑6236, pan­ therproperties2@ g­mail.com. pan‑ ther‑life.com/oakland

Shadyside 4909 Centre Ave. Great location for this spacious 1BR apartment located be­ tween Pitt and CMU. On buslines, near restaurants, hospital. Rent includes heat. Laundry, storage & parking available. Up­dated kitchens and hardwood floors. $100 Amazon gift card upon move in. Avail‑ able spring, summer and fall. Contact Sue at 412‑720‑4756. Brett/Thames Manor Apts. (Ellsworth & S. Negley Ave.) near CMU and Pitt. Stu­dio‑One‑Two bed­ room apts. available for immediate move in. On bus line, close to restaurants and shops. *CALL IN FOR SPECIALS!* Contact Jerry at 412‑722‑8546 Shadyside: 1 and 2BR, great location, hardwood floors. Free heat. Immedi‑ ate occupancy. Call 412‑361‑2695 Shadyside: Studio ($740) or 2 Bedroom ($1190). Quiet, clean, well‑main­tained apartment house. Great location ‑ in heart of Shady­side!

Fully equipped kitchenette, A/C, laundry, wall‑to‑wall carpeting. Near Pitt shuttle and city busline and shopping. No pets, no smoking. Available Aug. 1st. 412‑628‑1686.

Southside A very nice 2BR

apartment is avail­able with a start date of

June 1. Located in a large apartment

building that primar­ily houses university

students, this apart­

ment is updated with skylights, appliances

and it’s own laundry.

Building has a shared courtyard which has a grill and tables for re­laxing outside.

No pets, no smok‑

ing. Rent is $1299/ mo. +utilities. If

inter­ested call Louis 412‑770‑4419

Rental Other Studios, 1, 2, & 3 Bedroom apartments available August 2019 & sooner. Oak­land, Shadyside, Friend‑ ship, Squirrel Hill, Highland Park, Point Breeze. Photos & current availabil‑ ity online, check out www.forbesmanage­ ment.net, or call 412.441.1211

Employment Employment Other OFFICE INTERN

dance bonuses are available, if earned. Work involves land­ scaping, painting, roofing, and general labor. Perfect sum­ mer job for college students!

Shadyside Manage­ ment Company seeks person w/ min 2 yrs. college, for upcom­ing spring semester, to interview & pro­cess rental appli­cants, do internet post‑ ings & help staff our action‑central of­fice. Either Part time or full time OK now; full time over the summer. $13/hour. Perfect job for sopho­mores & juniors, se­niors planning to en­ter grad school, re­turning grad students, and first‑year law stu­dents!

Mozart Management phone:412‑682‑7003 email:thane @mozartrents.com

Mozart Management 412‑682‑7003 thane@mozartrents.­ com

and other du­ties

SUMMER WORK Shadyside Manage­ ment Company needs full‑time dependable landscapers, painters, and assistant roofers for the summer. Must be at least 18 years old. No experience necessary. $11/hour plus additional atten­

Team Scotti (insur­

ance broker for major

league baseball) seek­ ing an information

technology intern to

assist in technical sup‑ port, troubleshoot­ing issues, organiza­tion and maintaining IT

resources. Help with upgrading net­work

equipment, as­sisting IT and other depart‑ ments with re­ports,

tracking hard­ware and software in­ventory as assigned. Ideal

candidate would have strong computer

skills and a passion to

learn. Fa­miliarity with Access is required.

Ability to work in a

team en­vironment as

well as independently is nec­essary. Contact Dave Webster at

dweb­ster@team‑

scotti.com for further informa­tion.

Welsford St. ‑Large 6 bedroom house, 3.5 bathrooms. Recently renovated with dish­ washer, washer/ dryer. $2900/month. 724‑825‑0033

March 28, 2019

12


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.